Course Description: This course provides a basic understanding of real estate investing for the agent in creating a personal portfolio as well as working with residential real estate investor clients. Real estate agents will be able to understand why real estate is a powerful investment tool, and be able to compare it to other investment vehicles. They will also learn elements of value to the investor: long-term vs. short-term, appreciation, and tax depreciation. Students will learn basic analysis and comparison of possible real estate investments through operating expenses and projection. In addition, the course will cover taxation concepts of depreciation, capital gains, and capital improvements vs. expenses, and the basics of a 1031 tax-deferred exchange.